James William Terrell, 84, passed away October 10, 2017 at the Ashton Living Center. Jim was born in Spencer, Indiana to James Albert Terrell and Sally Srytha Rodgers Terrell on November 23, 1932. Jim finished his journey through this life dealing with dementia and the eroding of time.

His early years were interesting and full of adventure. To care for his family Albert, using his expertise as a repairer of auto body he and his family traveled widely during the Depression years. This time saw them living in most of the states West of the Mississippi. There was the time on a ranch in Prineville, Oregon, back to Indiana, were Jim helped his Mother in a neighbor store and his father in a body shop. Jim was taught a strong work ethic and developed the skills for the body shop work.

As a teen, Jim was a good basketball and baseball player and played basketball for the large high school in Annapolis. He was not very big but very fast. At 16 Jim dropped out of school to accept the offer of a job with a Safeway store. The offer of the managership of a large body shop in Sacramento, California to Albert saw the family moving again. When Albert felt the ties to Indiana, it was another move.

At the young age of 19 Jim moved into his father's old position. Jim fell in love with the beautiful secretary, Bette Thomas. They were married and had two sons, and later divorced. Jim moved back to Thermopolis, Wyoming to join his father in the purchase and operation in a body shop. He developed a reputation of great work and creating costume Hot Rods. His involvement in all things community began with working with the local Firefighters. One of Jim's prides was the many awards he won in the competitions that the state of Wyoming held for the volunteer units. For many years his time for the "Ladder Run" was not matched. He was a people person. His manta was "Stranger? Oh, that's just a friend I haven't met."

While living in Thermopolis, he married Sharon Eli. Sharon was working toward a teaching degree and this called for several moves for her education and first few years of teaching. Two girls were added to his family with Sally and Stephanie. They lived in Bozeman, Montana, Boise, Idaho and the Salt Lake City, Utah area before settling in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His work for the Ford garage in Idaho Falls brought more friends and more awards while managing the Body Shop for over twenty years. When that business closed Jim tried his hand Insurance adjusting but went back to the shop. This was the work he knew and loved. There was many off hours spent working on a restoration or just a repair. A few years turned into twenty five or so when Sharon and Jim were divorced.

Through an invite to attend a single's dance Jim met Martha (Marty). This friendship developed and they were married on January 1, 1983. Some friends asked Jim to work with them at the Mack's Inn resort in Island Park. This being one of Jim's favorite places he said he would love to. His big love was fishing. When the opportunity was presented to remodel the old service station at the resort and develop a convenience store it was competition. With the partnership of Jim, Marty, and her son, Todd, the building was leased, remodeled and named "Stage Stop".

Jim was active in community affairs. Snow machine club president, board member for the sewer, vice president of the Sportsman Club, and unofficial teacher to the many untrained members of the voluntary fireman, also was a responder for the ambulance crew. Some of Jim's favorite things was snowmobiling, fishing, visiting with all the people that stopped in the store. A early morning coffer developed with the guys stopping for coffee and visitation. This became the unofficial "guys coffee". After twenty three years the store was sold due to the failing health of Jim and Marty.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marty, his sons Ricky and James Jr. (Kandi) of Sacramento, California, daughters Sally Lott of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Stephanie (Graham) West of Casper, Wyoming. His sister, Martha (Harold) Johnson of Thermopolis, Wyoming, five grandchildren, step-son Todd Morris, four step- grandsons, three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two step-sons, and his favorite dog, Jake, the greeter at the store.

A memorial will be held in the spring of 2018. In place of flowers the family recommends a donation in Jim's name to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank all Jim's friends for their acts of kindness and also a huge thank you to staff of the Ashton Living Center.